This week I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a physical therapist who specializes in breast cancer rehab. I was reluctant to spend money on something that I felt was more of a luxury, than a necessity. But I am so glad I went to the appointment! Not only did she greatly encourage me, but she also did educate me on many things I had not realized. But I digress, this blog is not about that visit.
As many of you already know, I am on a mission to work out and exercise as many days as I am able. You may even think that I am a little obsessive or even making exercise my god. However, in all the research I've read about staying active and as healthy as possible, I have seen over and over again how very important this aspect is to not only recover from cancer, but to thrive during and after treatment.
Of course this is not rocket science to many people out there. There is a reason our primary care physicians always encourage us to exercise. However, most healthy adults either just don't heed the advise because they have gotten by with doing the minimal physical activity while eating whatever they wish and not having any adverse effects from that behavior, or they have not seen any great results from working out in the past. Now I have not always been consistent in working out, but I have always noticed the benefits especially in the emotional realm.
A few years ago, I noticed that I was suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Our winters in Michigan are very long, cold, dark, and miserable for a sunshine loving gal like me. I did my research, and found that the two things which would most likely help me most were exercise and a light therapy lamp. I went to work. Every day in winter I sat in front of the therapy lamp for about 30 minutes, after which I would work out. And voila, just like that my mood improved.
I have also read a great deal about how much exercise can improve our spiritual well-being. In actual fact I have completed many First Place for Health Bible studies that encourage writing goals for your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Bible often mentions exercise as something that is important, even if it is mostly used as a comparison to how we should exercise our faith. There are even videos out there, talking about how important exercise is for our spiritual wellbeing.
When I started this unwanted journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the first things I did, was to create a playlist for my journey. I used to "wun"(walk and run) without listening to music. God's creation and the thoughts in my head kept me occupied. But when I tried to walk or work out after my diagnosis, my head was filled with so many anxious thoughts, that I needed something to block that out - hence my said playlist was created. I have completed many walks and workouts since, starting out by crying and lamenting to God while listening to the playlist, and ending in worship.
Today, when I completed the exercises provided to me by the physical therapist, I decided to use the playlist as well. As I was completing all the exercises and stretches, suddenly the physical activity became a spiritual act of worship! I was worshipping God, while working out. I was on sacred ground, without having planned it. All the exercises seemed easier to complete and I was in awe and overwhelmed by his presence.
I dare you to try this out too! If exercise is something you've always tried to avoid or something that you have done just because you know it is good for your health, try a new approach! Exercise to worship God. Use the walk or run you go on as an adoration of your creator. I pray that this will happen for you as well, and that you will be as amazed as I was.
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 (NLT)
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah: 40:31 (NIV)
Until next time,
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